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Crisis talks announced to discuss aftermath of two Leven High Street fires

The aftermath of a fire on Leven High Street on November 25. Image: Steve MacDougall / DC Thomson,
The aftermath of a fire on Leven High Street on November 25. Image: Steve MacDougall / DC Thomson,

Crisis talks to discuss the future of Leven High Street in the wake of two devastating fires will take place later today.

Business people will join the police and Fife councillors to talk about how to manage the next few weeks as restrictions remain in the town’s main shopping area.

Around seven businesses are shut following the blaze at Poundstretcher on November 8 and a second fire at the former Masterton’s jeweller at the weekend.

Poundstretcher was destroyed and other premises damaged in the fire at Leven High Street
Poundstretcher will be demolished after the fire there. Image: Claire Warrender/DC Thomson.

And it is so far unclear when they will be able to reopen.

Leven councillor Colin Davidson said: “It’s seven businesses in all with over 100 people laid off in the meantime.

“And we still potentially have arsonists on the loose.

“The purpose of today’s meeting is to listen to the business community and decide how we’re going to manage this crisis.”

Leven High Street businesses remain closed

Poundstretchers was devastated in the fire three weeks ago and Fife Council issued a demolition order on Thursday.

Work to bring the building down must start by December 13.

Meanwhile, neighbouring businesses Stuart’s the baker, a solicitor’s office and the Together Levenmouth Hub remain closed.

The Crown Inn, Baynes the baker and Greggs are also shut following the fire in the empty Masterton’s shop on Friday night.

The meeting in Truth nightclub at 4pm is not open to the general public but High Street businesses are invited.

Mr Davidson said: “It’s about bringing the business community together and trying to help them in their hour of need.”

Spate of deliberate building fires

Levenmouth has been hit by a spate of high-profile building fires over the last five years.

In August 2017, the former Denbeath Club was destroyed in a huge deliberate fire.

Then in April 2018 Silverburn House was razed, followed two months later by the former Brannigan’s Hotel.

Brannigans was demolished after the fire in 2018. Image: Steve Brown / DC Thomson.

Both of those were also found to have been started deliberately.

Earlier this year, two teenagers were arrested after the derelict Lundin Links Hotel was destroyed in a huge fire.

And this was followed by the two Leven High Street fires this month.

Police are still investigating the two latest incidents but are not treating them as linked.

And they have appealed for witnesses to get in touch.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident numbers 0231 of November 8 and 3766 of November 25.

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